In all honestly, I was struggling to figure out what I would write for my first article on here. I figured, first article, this is a big deal, right? It should be a sort of introduction to me, and maybe to what I'll be writing about on here. This website actually helped me figure out what to write the moment I started customizing my writer's profile.

There were four gender options: male, female, other, and unspecified. Now, I'm not even totally used to having a third option at all, so I appreciate the thoughtfulness of there even being an acknowledgement of more than two genders existing. That being said, when one thinks about it, being an 'other' is degrading in a way. This is the reason I chose to present my gender on my profile as unspecified.

I am a trans nonbinary individual. I am not 'other.' Being classified as such is demeaning. It's as if since I don't identify within society's fake gender binary, I am inherently less than those who do.

Now, don't get me wrong, having my gender invalidated on a daily basis is something that I have become extremely used to. Friends of mine even say I'm too used to it, since I have become passive about correction, and I go out of my way to defend people who misgender me. But, you know what? I'm sick of it. I am sick of having to invalidate my own gender to make others feel better about misgendering me.

I was shocked that 'other' was the only nonbinary option on this site, especially because the people who run the article writing in my community said that writing would be about whatever I wanted, and what I needed in order to make my voice heard. I expected more from a place where I am supposed to feel comfortable and safe enough to speak out. Even as I write this, the word nonbinary has that little red underline, saying that I spelled it wrong, that it isn't really a word.

One of the biggest reasons I applied to Wheaton College was because it allowed me to specify my own gender. I almost cried when I filled out my application, because I am so used to having my identity negated at every turn, every form I have to fill out, every time someone introduces me as their granddaughter. It hurts, but I've learned to hide that hurt and put on a smile, because I don't want others to feel bad for me.

But now, now I refuse to sit quietly. I will be loud and proud of my gender, of being a trans nonbinary person. I am valid. I am real. I am important, and so are all my gender nonconforming friends and siblings out there. You are beautiful, important, valid, and cared for. Even if you aren't out, even if you cannot be open about who you are, you are real, and you are appreciated.